Kicking

The night time ritual has not changed. (No... we are not Satanists) I mean the same routine in getting my 'sleep-a-phobic' to bed has not been altered.

You see... even though the routine is the same as in Dinner, a little TV, Story Time and brushing of teeth, the hour being the same and as well as the bed being the same there seems to be a slight discrepancy. There are also the same excuses as mentioned in an older post but now with a little more in-depth questioning.

Yet... It has changed.

There was once a time when there was a cot, a cot that the 'one', so we thought, could not escape from and was happily Sleeping In.  Well it was just a cot really. Anyway, that cot had had its day when my little acrobat took a nasty fall. The very next day we bought a bed and that bed has been doing its job quite well, until now!

It's the wee hours after midnight when I am awaken by a 'thud', that wouldn't be a problem if this whack was somewhere other than to the back of my head or back. Thank goodness I have not as yet been kicked somewhere where men will cry about for days.

What has happened? Why is the bed not doing its purpose? Is it the stories she listens to at story-time or some shows she watches on television? As now my football striker is afraid to be alone in a dark room and has been for the last couple of months using me as a practice soccer ball in my bed. Even if we put her down later than usual I still find a new bruise the following day or a leg that is stopping the flow of oxygen entering my mouth.

I seriously wouldn't mind so much if those legs attached to the little bed hog were kept on the other side of the bed and the headaches I have in the morning were self induced after a good night of partying.

What do we do to keep my future 'Beckham' to stay in her own room? Or, if she is in my bed, stop her legs from occupying the whole space and kicking a squashed, comatose man?

I think foot-binding may be a little extreme but I am seriously considering it.

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Art and a Crafty Mess

I'll give you a heads up from the source of all knowledge, *Cough*, Wikipedia

'Some crafts have been practised for centuries, while others are modern inventions, or popularisations of crafts which were originally practised in a very small geographic area.'

Well, I must agree as it seems like an age that I've been at it and as my geographical area is basically a table in a living space it is certainly small!
1 down.

Things to Make a Mess With

Arts and crafts also refers to the Arts and Crafts Movement, a late 19th Century design reform and social movement. It stood for traditional craftsmanship using simple forms.'

Well, I have my movements. Depending on the chilli's consumed and if I'm feeling energetic. I'm also looking for a simplistic 19th Century feel that truly represents a romantic, folk style aura.
That's number 2.

'Its proponents were motivated by the ideals of William Morris and John Ruskin, who proposed that in pre-industrial societies, such as the European Middle Ages, people had achieved fulfilment through the creative process of handicrafts.'

We achieved our creative processes. I with my apprentice have fulfilled our European Middle Ages pre-industrial handicraft needs. So thanks Willy and Johnny. 
3 yes!

'This was held up in contrast to what was perceived to be the 

alienating effects of industrial labour.' 

Oh... Was it now?
Well, it seemed pretty much like industrial Labour to me, buddy! Everything laid out on a bench with me slaving to make something resembling... something... anything. My co-worker didn't seem to find the work all that difficult and actually seemed to be enjoying my curses, with bouts of crying in frustration.

I persevered nonetheless until my fingers would not detach themselves from each other. (hint: Don't go overboard with the glue). Or should I say when my now foreman decided to go ahead and start a new work of art on her own, leaving me with the disaster before me!

Something was created from the joining together of a toilet roll, paint, glue and paper! It is called Arts and Crafts! Or in my case, a right abstract mess! Don't laugh. You try it! Just be careful with the scissors... ok?

My Crafty Mess

At the end of the day, no matter how many scraps are on the floor or how sticky you are. No matter how many hues are on your hands and shirt. Doesn't matter if you can't remove a paddle pop stick from the table because of the amount of adhesive used. Really, it is all about quality time spent with your much more talented child. its about creativity (or lack of, in my case).

My now Senior Curator went ahead and produced something with more of minimalistic and elegant approach, more in line with the Arts and Craft Movement mentioned earlier.

Not Fair

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Time alone

I sat, I listened, I watched...
I wasn't comfortable, I heard nothing, I saw my life passing by

I thought, I tidied up, I fidgeted
Thought of what my life could've been, re arranged my mind closet, and fumbled with a cigarette.

I know I love, I know I am doing my best, I know I am a Father
Love hurts, my best is not good enough, I never wanted to be a Father.

But a Father you are, a friend you are, you are the protector
I know I am, I'm glad I am, I'm afraid I'll have to be!

I want peace, I want quiet, I want romance
You want your old life back?

Yes!
No.. you don't you selfish bastard!!!

Image by Vali... via Flickr

Why are you feeling this way?


Because I'm a dad. And I'm scared every second of every day about my daughter!!!! 

 Alejandro!!!
You just want time alone.....

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